Penguins sign defenseman Niclas Andersen

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The Pittsburgh Penguins today signed defensive minded defenseman Niclas Andersen to a one-year entry-level contract worth $625,000 at the NHL level. The deal is a two-way deal.

The 27 year old Andersen was the LA Kings 4th round pick in the 2006 draft but never signed with the Kings as he has spent his entire career in Europe. The 6-foot-1, 218-pound blueliner established offensive career highs this year with Brynas, scoring five goals and adding 17 assists for 22 points in 54 games. His previous career high in points was 8.

Scouts Take on Andersen:

“Limited NHL upside, struggles to read and react quick enough against higher end talent but should be able to handle himself [for a game or two] if thrown into action on an emergency basis. Good defensive instincts, effecting at pinning forwards on the boards. Hard worker, coaches will love him. Has a chance to be a quality player for them in Wilkes Barre.”